Citizens United critics take a dim view of the electorate

November’s PRESIDENTIAL election is not only a test between two candidates but also a test of democracy. How much, really, does the Supreme Court’s ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission undermine the electoral process?

Citizens United is the controversial 2010 decision that, by a 5-4 margin,struck down a number of federal campaign finance restrictions. The court concluded that not only did citizens individually have a right of free speech, but so did associations of citizens — meaning unions, non-profits, and, the ultimate bogeyman, corporations. And since they had those rights, significant limitations on speech — including restrictions on spending — were not allowed.